Basketball rim locking cover and volleyball trainer

ABSTRACT

A basketball rim cover includes a cover plate to be placed over a basketball rim. A first locking piece extends downward. A support arm is arranged through the locking piece so that ends of the support arm are aligned with opposing points of the basketball rim. A second locking piece engages the first locking piece and is adjusted to clamp the rim between the cover plate and the support arm. A lock bar may be placed through slots in the first and second locking pieces. A fastener may be used to prevent the lock bar from being removed. In an alternate embodiment, a volleyball training aid is based on a basketball rim mounting assembly which can be mounted on a basketball rim. The volleyball training aid further includes a support frame and netting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/200,888 filed Apr. 1, 2021, and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure deals with basketball goal assemblies and particularly accessories that can be mounted on basketball goal assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Basketball is a popular sport that can be played by anyone who has access to a ball and a basketball goal. Basketball goals have become common to find by home driveways and in public parks. Many such goals are considered “in-ground” basketball goals, meaning they are permanently installed, either by the goal post extending into the ground or with the lower end of the goal secured to a base, such as a block of concrete, buried in the ground. Alternately, basketball goals may be considered “portable”, meaning that they have an above-ground base which may be moved when desired. The base may include wheels. Often portable bases are weighted down for stability when in use.

In certain situations, it may be desirable to use a cover configured to be placed on a basketball rim to prevent unauthorized use of a basketball goal, for instance when a homeowner is away, when a park is closed, to prevent damage to the goal, to prevent injuries that might occur during unsupervised use or for various other reasons. In certain other situations, it may be desirable to mount a training accessory to a basketball rim.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a basketball rim cover which may be selectively placed and locked in position on the basketball rim of a basketball goal. Certain alternate embodiments provide a basketball rim cover which may be selectively placed on a basketball rim to mount a training accessory, such as a volleyball training aid, to a basketball rim.

In a representative example, a basketball rim cover includes a cover plate configured to be placed over a basketball rim. A locking cylinder extends downward from the cover plate. A support arm is arranged through opposing vertical slots in the locking cylinder so that ends of the support arm are aligned with opposing points of the basketball rim. A locking ring is then mounted on the locking cylinder and adjusted to raise the support arm into engagement with the rim. The locking cylinder and locking ring pull the cover plate and support arm together, clamping the rim between them. Once the locking cylinder and locking ring are engaged and tightened, they may be selectively locked to prevent disengagement. In certain embodiments, a lock bar is then placed through aligned slots in the locking ring and locking cylinder to prevent them from being adjusted. A fastener may be used to prevent the lock bar from being removed.

In an alternate embodiment, a volleyball training aid is based on a basketball rim mounting assembly which can be mounted on a basketball rim. The volleyball training aid further includes a support frame and netting. When mounted and arranged for use on a basketball rim, the frame holds a training net in a spread-open configuration with an open top to receive volleyballs. The height of the basketball rim may be adjusted to place the training aid at a desired height. Optionally, the training aid may incorporate a return ramp to return balls received in the net. In certain embodiments, the frame and training net may be folded for storage and transport.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a basketball goal with a basketball rim locking cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 perspective lower view of a portion of the system and cover shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective lower view of a representational embodiment of the basketball rim locking cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective upper view of the basketball rim locking cover of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the basketball rim locking cover of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a lower view of the cover plate of the basketball rim locking cover of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a view of the locking cylinder of the basketball rim locking cover of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a view of the locking ring of the basketball rim locking cover of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a perspective upper view of a representational embodiment of a volleyball training aid.

FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of the volleyball training aid of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the volleyball training aid of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the volleyball training aid of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illu strated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

In a representative example, a basketball rim locking assembly includes a cover such as a cover plate configured to be placed over a basketball rim. A first piece, such as a locking cylinder, extends downward from the cover plate. A support arm is arranged through opposing vertical slots in the locking cylinder so that ends of the support arm are aligned with opposing points of the basketball rim. A second piece, such as a locking ring, engages the locking cylinder and is adjusted to raise the support arm to engage the rim. The locking cylinder and locking ring pull the cover plate and support arm together, clamping the rim between them. Once locking cylinder and locking ring have been engaged and tightened, they may be selectively locked to prevent disengagement. In certain embodiments, a lock bar is placed through aligned slots in the locking ring and locking cylinder to prevent them from being adjusted. A fastener may be used to prevent the lock bar from being removed.

In an alternate embodiment, a volleyball training aid is based on a basketball rim cover which can be mounted on a basketball rim. The volleyball training aid further includes a support frame and netting. When mounted and arranged for use on a basketball rim, the frame holds a training net in a spread-open configuration with an open top to receive volleyballs. The height of the basketball rim may be adjusted to place the training aid at a desired height. Optionally, the training aid may incorporate a return ramp to return balls received in the net. In certain embodiments, the frame and training net may be folded for storage and transport.

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative basketball goal 10 with an embodiment of a basketball rim locking mounting assembly 20. Basketball goal 10 includes a backboard assembly 15 including a backboard 16 and a rim assembly including a rim bracket 17 and a basketball rim 18. A net 19 is typically suspended from basketball rim 18. Various backboard assemblies, backboards, and rim assemblies, and variations thereon can be used as desired. The backboard assembly 15 is mounted to a support member such as support pole 12. Optionally the height of backboard assembly 15 is adjustable, for example using pairs of arms 13 which form a parallelogram which can be adjusted using a mechanism such as a piston 14. In some embodiments, support pole 12 may be monolithic; however, in other embodiments support pole 12 may include two or more portions connected together. Support pole 12 may have a curved cross-section such as a circular or oval shape, a rectangular cross-section, or it may have a cross-section of any other desired shape.

As illustrated, the lower end of support pole 12 is mounted to an in-ground base. In some embodiments, support pole may be mounted to a portable above-ground base. Often support pole 12 is installed to be vertical and extends perpendicular to the support surface. In alternate, embodiments, support pole 12 may be angled so that pole 12 extends vertically yet obliquely from the base relative to the support surface.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of basketball rim mounting assembly 20 mounted on a basketball rim 18. A net is omitted in FIG. 2 for ease of illustration.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate basketball rim mounting assembly 20 as assembled and FIGS. 6-8 individually illustrate certain components. Basketball rim 18 is omitted for ease of illustration. Basketball rim mounting assembly 20 includes an upper piece for example illustrated as a cover or cover plate 30, a first locking piece such as locking cylinder 40, a second locking piece such as locking ring 50, a lower piece for example illustrated as support arm 60 and a lock bar 70. Cover plate 30 is illustrated as a circular, dome-shaped plate having an upper surface 32, a lower surface 33 and a peripheral edge 38. Opening 35 is defined along a longitudinal axis 36 through the center of cover plate 30. In alternate embodiments a planar or flat plate or other shapes may be used. In certain embodiments, the plate may be formed as bars or straps extending across the rim, for instance forming an “X” arrangement or a triangle with a central mounting position for the first locking piece rather than a continuous plate. Peripheral edge 38 defines an outer diameter which is at least greater than the inner diameter of basketball rim 18. Peripheral edge 38 is configured to be placed upon an upper surface of basketball rim 18 and may have an outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of basketball rim 18.

Cover plate 30, shown in detail in FIG. 6, further includes a series of spacing tabs 39. Spacing tabs 39 extend downward from lower surface 33 and are placed slightly inward from peripheral edge 38. In certain embodiments spacing tabs 39 form a ring with an outer diameter sized to concentrically fit within the inner diameter of basketball rim 18. Spacing tabs have a height and spacing configured to prevent cover plate 30 from being removed laterally from basketball rim 18.

The first locking piece in the form of cylindrical locking piece 40 is shown in detail in FIG. 7. Cylindrical locking piece 40 is formed with a cylindrical base 42. Base 42 may optionally be hollow. Cylindrical locking piece includes a length. In alternate embodiments a non-cylindrical locking piece may be used, with appropriate modifications to enable it to engage a second locking piece in lieu of locking ring 50. A series of threads 44 or thread portions extend outward from an outer face of base 42. Threads 44 may be helical. The outer diameter of base 42 and threads 44 is sized to fit through the diameter of opening 35 in cover plate 30. Cylindrical locking piece 40 further includes an upper flange 46, illustrated as a ring shaped flange extending laterally outward from the top edge of base 42. In other embodiments, upper flange 46 may be formed in other shapes, such as a series of tabs, a rectangle, a polygon or otherwise. Upper flange 46 has a diameter larger than the diameter of opening 35 so that upper flange 46 will not fit through opening 35. At least one pair of vertical slots 48 are defined in the sidewall of base 42. Slots 48 are aligned in opposition along a diameter of base 42. In alternate embodiments, the first locking piece may be integrally formed with cover plate 30 and/or it may be secured to cover plate 30 with fasteners.

The second locking piece in the form of locking ring 50 is shown in detail in FIG. 8. Locking ring 50 is formed with a cylindrical base 52. A series of threads 54 or thread portions extend inward from an inner face of base 52. Threads 54 may be helical. Locking ring 50 and threads 54 are sized to matingly receive and engage cylindrical locking piece 40 and threads 44. In an alternate embodiment, cylindrical locking piece 40 and locking ring 50 each include thread portions with gaps, which can be oriented to be offset in one position allowing locking ring 50 to directly slide vertically relative to cylindrical locking piece 40, yet when rotated a partial turn the threads interlock, preventing locking ring 50 from moving vertically.

Locking ring 50 includes an upper perimeter 56, illustrated as a ring shaped surface optionally with tabs extending laterally outward from the upper edge. In other embodiments, upper perimeter 56 may be formed in other shapes, such as a series of tabs, a rectangle, a polygon or otherwise. Upper perimeter 56 has a diameter larger than the diameter of opening 35 in cover plate so that locking ring 50 will not fit through opening 35.

Locking ring/annular locking ring 50 includes at least one pair and optionally a plurality of slots 58 defined in the sidewall of base 52. Each pair of slots 58 are aligned in opposition along a diameter of base 52. Slots 58 may have a continuous perimeter which encircles the slot opening on four sides without gaps. In certain embodiments, multiple pairs of opposing slots 58 may be included. FIG. 8 illustrates locking ring 50 with three pairs of slots.

Basketball rim mounting assembly 20 further includes a support arm 60 and a lock bar 70 used to secure basketball rim mounting assembly 20 to basketball rim 18. Support arm 60 includes a pair of opposing ends 62. Support arm 60 defines a length at least greater than the inner diameter of basketball rim 18. Opposing ends 62 may be configured to engage the lower surface of rim 18. Opposing ends 62 may be spaced to engage opposite portions of basketball rim 18 when placed along a rim diameter, with opposing ends 62 extending a distance slightly greater than the outer diameter of basketball rim 18. Opposing ends 62 optionally may define curved or hook portions to assist in engaging basketball rim 18.

Lock bar 70 includes a stop end 72 and a fastener end 74. In the illustrated embodiment, lock bar 70 is formed in an “L” shape, with stop end 72 bent relative to the remaining length of lock bar 70. Lock bar 70 defines a length greater than the diameter of locking ring 50 and is sized to be placed though a pair of slots 58 with stop end 72 and fastener end 76 extending outward from locking ring 50. Stop end 72 is bent or otherwise sized to prevent it passing through a slot 58.

Basketball rim mounting assembly 20 can be selectively installed on a basketball rim 18. Cover plate 30 is initially placed over the upper surface of basketball rim 18 with peripheral edge 38 placed on top of basketball rim 18 and spacing tabs 39 arranged in a ring within the inner diameter of rim 18. Cylindrical locking piece 40 is inserted downward along longitudinal axis 36 and through opening 35 in cover plate 30, either before or after cover plate is placed over basketball rim 18. The upper flange 46 of cylindrical locking piece 40 is larger than opening 35 and engages upper surface 32 around opening 35 while base 42 extends downward from cover plate 30.

Support arm 60 is then arranged through the first locking piece, for instance by extending through opposing vertical slots 48 in cylindrical locking piece 40 to engage the lower surface of the rim 18. In some embodiments, ends 62 of support arm 60 are aligned with opposing points of basketball rim 18. Locking ring 50 then engages cylindrical locking piece 40, for instance using the threaded portions as shown, and is adjusted/tightened vertically along base 42, correspondingly raising support arm into engagement with rim 18, Securing locking ring 50 to cylindrical locking piece 40 clamps cover plate 30 and support arm 60 together, clamping rim 18 between them. In a variation, support arm 60 may be advanced through slots 48 after the locking ring has been raised part way onto cylindrical locking piece 40.

Once cylindrical locking piece 40 and locking ring 50 have been engaged and tightened to form a sufficient clamping action, they are selectively locked to prevent disengagement. In the illustrated embodiment, locking ring is slightly adjusted, if needed, so that a pair of locking ring slots 58 are aligned with slots 48 in cylindrical locking piece 40. Locking bar 70 is then placed through the aligned slots. Fastener end 74 may be placed into an entry slot 58. Lock bar 70 is then advanced through the entry slot 58 and locking cylinder slots 48 until fastener end 74 extends outward from an exit slot 58. Stop end 72 abuts the exterior of the entry slot. Thereupon, lock bar 70 prevents lock ring 50 from rotating or otherwise being adjusted relative to cylindrical locking piece 40. A fastener such as a padlock, a hasp lock, or a similar fastener may then be used to selectively engage fastener end 74 to prevent lock bar 70 from being removed. Preferably, the fastener is difficult to remove other than by the authorized user or owner. Optionally, fastener end 74 may define an opening which can be engaged by the fastener. Once emplaced, basketball rim mounting assembly 20 prevents basketball goal 10 from being used to play basketball. When desired, a homeowner and/or authorized user may remove the fastener, allowing locking bar 70 to be withdrawn, thereby allowing locking ring 50 and support arm 60 to be disengaged and allowing cover plate 30 to be removed.

In an alternate embodiment, a volleyball training aid 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 9-12. Volleyball training aid 110 is mounted on a basketball rim mounting assembly 120 which can be mounted on a basketball rim and basketball goal such as goal 10 and rim 18. Basketball rim mounting assembly 120 is formed and used primarily in the same manner as basketball rim mounting assembly 20; however, when used to support a volleyball training aid 110, locking bar 70 and a fastener are optional and may be omitted.

Basketball rim mounting assembly 120 includes cover plate 122. Comparable to cover plate 30, cover plate 122 is illustrated as circular, yet cover plate 122 is flatter than cover plate 30. Cover plate 122 is sized so that a peripheral edge defines an outer diameter which is at least greater than the inner diameter of basketball rim 18. The peripheral edge is configured to be placed upon an upper surface of basketball rim 18 and may have an outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of basketball rim 18. Cover plate 122 may include a series of spacing tabs comparable to tabs 39. The spacing tabs 39 form a ring with an outer diameter sized to fit within the inner diameter of basketball rim 18 to prevent the cover plate from being removed laterally from basketball rim.

Cover plate 122 also differs from cover plate 30 by incorporating mounting aspects for the volleyball training aid frame and netting. Cover plate 122 may include or define channels and/or mounting locations for frame members and various fasteners.

Basketball rim mounting assembly 120 includes locking cylinder 124 which may be the same as cylindrical locking piece 40, and which engages a center opening in cover plate 122 in the same manner that cylindrical locking piece 40 engages cover plate 30. Basketball rim mounting assembly 120 includes locking ring 126 and support arm 128 which are the same as and/or comparable to locking ring 50 and support arm 60. In substantially the same manner as basketball rim mounting assembly 20, basketball rim mounting assembly 120 may be secured to basketball rim 18 by placing cover plate 122 over rim 18 and inserting locking cylinder 124 downward through the cover plate. Support arm 128 is placed through vertical slots in locking cylinder 124 and locking ring is adjusted to raise and clamp support arm 128 against the basketball rim.

Volleyball training aid 110 further includes a support frame and netting. Support frame 160 includes a pair of parallel sidebars 162 rigidly connected a pair of parallel crossbars 164. Crossbars 164 are perpendicular to sidebars 162 forming a rigid base. The base is mounted to cover plate 122, for instance with crossbars 164 received and mounted in a pair of lateral channels defined in the upper surface of cover plate 122. A series of support arms 166 extend vertically upward from the base. Support arms 166 may extend from the four corners of sidebars 162 and optionally may diverge in two lateral directions, defining a roughly trapezoidal shaped space between each pair of adjacent support arms 166. Optionally, support arms 166 are connected to sidebars 162 via hinges 168. Hinges 168 allow each support arm 166 to be pivoted downward and parallel to a sidebar 162 for ease of storage and transport.

A volleyball training net 170 is mounted to frame 160. Training net 170 may be aligned above the upper surface of rim 18. Training net 170 may be formed with a bottom net panel 172, and side panels such as a pair of lateral side panels 173, a rear side panel 174 and a front side panel 175. Front side panel 175 may define an opening 178 leading to return ramp 180. Bottom net panel 172 extends across and over the rim 18. The side panels are illustrated as roughly trapezoidal in shape with their shorter edges arranged as the lower edges, which are joined to bottom net panel 172. Side edges of the side panels are joined and form four corner edges 176 of net 170.

The upper ends of the four corner edges 176 are mounted to upper ends of support arms 166. The upper ends of the corner edges may be mounted to support arms 166 via a pocket or sleeve defined by net 170 or alternately may be mounted using fasteners such as hooks, snaps, screws/bolts, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, rivets or other forms of connectors.

In certain embodiments, lower ends of the four corner edges 176 are anchored to rim mounting assembly 120 and/or frame 160. The lower ends of the four corner edges may be secured using hooks 190 which engage anchor points in the cover or frame assembly. Hooks 190 may be secured to tethers or cables to provide sufficient length to anchor the lower corners to the anchor points.

When mounted and arranged for use on a basketball rim, frame 160 holds training net 170 in a spread-open configuration. The panels of net 170 may be held somewhat taut, yet with sufficient flexibility to absorb the impact force of a volleyball with minimal bounceback. In certain embodiments, training net 170 may be formed with bottom net panel 172 and the side panels as portions of one continuous piece or alternately may be separate pieces which are joined together, such as by stitching or lacing. Training net 170 may be formed of various materials such as netting, cloth, polyethylene or nylon fabric and the like as will be understood by those of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, training net 170 may be removed and/or folded with support arms for storage and transport.

In certain embodiments return ramp 180 extends downward at an angle from opening 178 in front panel 175. Return ramp 180 includes a length with a pair of parallel sidebars 186 extending at an angle from a front portion of frame 160. For instance, upper ends of sidebars 186 may be hingedly mounted to forward ends of a pair of frame brackets, allowing ramp 180 to be folded over frame 160 and cover plate 122 for storage and transport. A return net is mounted to ramp sidebars 186. The return net includes a center net panel 182 forming a ramp surface extending downward at an angle. A pair of side return net panels 183 are arranged on opposing sides of center net panel 182. Center net panel 182 and side return net panels 183 form a downward extending chute.

Training net 170 is optionally configured to feed a volleyball received in net 170 to return ramp 180. In some embodiments, bottom net panel 172 is angled or slanted, forming a slope or ramp which directs a volleyball received in net 170 toward opening 178. Opening 178 directs the volleyball laterally above the rim 18. When the volleyball exits net 170 it is received on the return ramp 180 and guided downward by the return net chute where it may be caught or it may fall and then may be retrieved by a player using the volleyball training aid. Optionally, yet less preferred, return ramp 180 may be omitted and/or both return ramp 180 and opening 178 may be omitted, consequently requiring manual retrieval of each volleyball received in training net 170. In certain basketball goals, the height of the basketball rim may be adjusted to adjust the height at which the training aid is used.

In certain other embodiments, basketball rim mounting assembly 120 may be used to support other types of training accessories where it is desirable to mount them on a basketball goal rim. Non-limited examples include a basketball shooting aid different from the rim, a basketball rebounding training aid and a volleyball spike training aid.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected. 

1. A volleyball training aid mountable on a rim of a basketball goal comprising: a support frame; a net mounted over at least a portion of the support frame, wherein the net includes side panels and a bottom panel defining an interior, wherein the net defines an opening adjacent to the bottom panel, and wherein the net is arranged in an open configuration with an open top to receive balls; wherein a basketball rim mounting assembly is secured to the support frame of the volleyball training aid, wherein the basketball rim mounting assembly includes: a cover plate configured to be placed on an upper surface of a rim of a basketball goal, wherein an outer diameter of the cover plate is at least greater than an inner diameter of the rim, and wherein the cover plate defines an opening along a longitudinal axis through a center of the cover plate; a cylindrical locking piece with a top portion and a length, wherein the cylindrical locking piece extends downward along the longitudinal axis and through the opening of the cover plate, wherein the top portion of the cylindrical locking piece is larger than the opening in the cover plate, and wherein the cylindrical locking piece defines a pair of opposing vertical slots; a support arm with a pair of opposing ends, wherein a length of the support arm is longer than the inner diameter of the rim, wherein the support arm extends through the opposing vertical slots of the cylindrical locking piece, and wherein the pair of opposing ends are configured to engage opposing points along a lower surface of the rim; and an annular locking ring secured to the cylindrical locking piece, wherein the annular locking ring is tightenable to clamp the cover plate and support arm to the rim.
 2. The volleyball training aid of claim 1 comprising: a return ramp with a length, wherein the return ramp extends downward at an angle from the opening in the net.
 3. The volleyball training aid of claim 1, wherein the net further includes a rear side panel and a front side panel, wherein the side panels are joined to four corner edges of the net, and wherein the opening is defined through the front side panel of the net.
 4. The volleyball training aid of claim 3, wherein the bottom panel and the side panels are formed of one continuous piece of material.
 5. The volleyball training aid of claim 3, wherein the support frame includes a base with a pair of sidebars connected by a pair of parallel cross bars, and wherein a series of support arms extend vertically upward from the base.
 6. The volleyball training aid of claim 5, wherein the crossbars are secured to the basketball rim mounting assembly within lateral channels defined in the upper surface of the cover plate.
 7. The volleyball training aid of claim 5, wherein the support arms are connected to the sidebars by hinges, wherein the support arms are pivotable downward and parallel to a sidebar for storage.
 8. The volleyball training aid of claim 5, wherein the edges each include a sleeve defined by the net, wherein each sleeve receives one of the series of support arms to mount the net to the support frame.
 9. The volleyball training aid of claim 1, wherein the bottom panel is slanted toward the opening in the net.
 10. The volleyball training aid of claim 1, wherein the cover plate includes spacing tabs extending vertically downward from the cover plate, wherein the spacing tabs are arranged in a ring with an outer diameter sized to concentrically fit within the inner diameter of the rim.
 11. The volleyball training aid of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical locking piece includes outer threads along at least a portion of the length of the cylinder.
 12. The volleyball training aid of claim 11, the annular locking ring includes a series of inner threads sized to matingly receive and engage the threads of the cylinder.
 13. A volleyball training aid mountable on a rim of a basketball goal comprising: a support frame; a net mounted over at least a portion of the support frame, wherein the net includes side panels and a bottom panel defining an interior, wherein the bottom panel extends across and over a rim of a basketball goal, wherein the net defines an opening adjacent to the bottom panel, wherein the net is arranged in an open configuration with an open top to receive at least one ball, and wherein the opening directs the at least one ball through the opening laterally above the rim; and a basketball rim mounting assembly secured to the support frame, wherein the basketball rim mounting assembly includes: an upper piece configured to engage an upper surface of the rim; and a lower piece configured to engage a lower surface of the rim, wherein the lower piece is secured to the upper piece to clamp the upper piece and the lower piece to the rim.
 14. The volleyball training aid of claim 13, wherein the upper piece is a cover plate having a diameter at least greater than an inner diameter of the rim, and wherein the lower piece is a support arm, wherein a length of the support arm is longer than the inner diameter of the rim.
 15. The volleyball training aid of claim 14, wherein the cover plate defines an opening along a longitudinal axis through a center of the cover plate.
 16. The volleyball training aid of claim 15, comprising: a cylindrical locking piece with a length, wherein the cylindrical locking piece extends downward along the longitudinal axis and through the opening of the cover plate, wherein a top portion of the cylindrical locking piece is larger than the opening in the cover plate, and wherein the cylindrical locking piece defines a pair of opposing vertical slots, wherein one of the opposing ends of the support arm extends through the opposing vertical slots of the cylindrical locking piece; and an annular locking ring configured to be secured to the cylindrical locking piece, wherein the annular locking ring is tighten to clamp the cover plate and support arm to the rim.
 17. The volleyball training aid of claim 13, comprising: a return ramp with a length, wherein the return ramp extends downward at an angle from the opening in the net.
 18. The volleyball training aid of claim 13, wherein the bottom panel is slanted toward the opening in the net.
 19. A method of mounting a volleyball training aid on a rim of a basketball goal comprising: placing a cover over an upper surface of a rim of a basketball goal, wherein the cover includes a diameter at least greater than an inner diameter of the rim, wherein a support frame of a volleyball training aid is secured to the cover, wherein a net is mounted over at least a portion of the support frame, wherein the net includes side panels and a bottom panel defining an interior, wherein the net defines an opening adjacent to the bottom panel, and wherein the net is arranged in a configuration with an open top to receive balls; arranging a support arm to engage a lower portion of the rim, wherein the support arm includes a length longer than the inner diameter of the rim; and clamping the support arm to the cover to clamp the cover and the support arm to the rim.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein clamping the support arm to the cover comprises: inserting a cylindrical locking piece downward through an opening defined through the cover, wherein a top portion of the cylindrical locking piece is larger than the opening in the cover, and wherein the cylindrical locking piece defines a pair of opposing vertical slots, wherein arranging the support arm includes arranging the support arm to extend through the opposing vertical slots of the cylindrical locking piece; and securing an annular locking ring to the cylindrical locking piece to clamp the cover and support arm to the rim. 